Had just complained… Firing over excessive salt in cheese, relative of restaurant owner also held customer hostage

A shocking incident unfolded in Bhawarna, Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, when a complaint about excessive salt in paneer escalated into gunfire at a restaurant. Late Saturday night, the Mansimbal Panchayat restaurant became the scene of chaos as customers fled for their safety following the discharge of bullets.

How the Dispute Began

Two young men named Paras and Ashish visited the restaurant and complained to owner Padam Dev about the excessive salt in the paneer dish. The restaurant owner took offense to the complaint, triggering a heated argument between the parties that quickly turned physical.

During the altercation, the owner allegedly slapped one of the young men, intensifying the tension. Atul Singh, a relative of the restaurant owner, then arrived at the scene armed with a pistol and opened fire.

Violence and Hostage Situation

Eyewitnesses reported that after the shooting, the accused forcibly detained Ashish at gunpoint. Alok Thakur, Padam Dev, and Atul Singh allegedly pointed pistols at his head while subjecting him to brutal physical assault with kicks and punches.

When another individual named Pankaj attempted to help Ashish, the accused captured him as well and beat him with the pistol’s butt, leaving him bleeding.

Police Investigation Underway

Zilla Parishad member Sanjeev Saini promptly alerted police upon learning of the incident. Officers from Bhawarna police station arrived quickly, secured the area, and transported the injured to the hospital for treatment.

Police recovered a pistol from the scene, which carried an expired license. An FIR has been registered against the accused, and authorities are investigating allegations that the hotel’s CCTV footage was intentionally deleted to destroy evidence. Additional Superintendent of Police Bir Bahadur confirmed that the investigation is proceeding thoroughly.